‘Sustainable Communities’ is a community resilience project that is being undertaken by Rural Health and Care Wales to support the strong, connected, and vibrant communities in Lampeter (Ceredigion) and Llanidloes (Powys), and to support the overall health and wellbeing of the residents. The project helps residents to integrate with their neighbours residents by providing opportunities for socialising and fun; it thus aids in counteracting loneliness and isolation in rural communities, whilst also acting as a link between individuals who require additional support and those who can support them.

The project involves holding a series of (free) informal, fun, social events (coffee mornings / activities / music) in community venues, aimed at engaging with residents to help eliminate potential for loneliness and / or isolation. A second aspect of the project links volunteers with individuals who would like extra support, such as lifts to and from appointments, delivery of shopping, dog walking or simply company and a chat. Links will also be made between both Lampeter and Llanidloes, with exchange trips to both towns planned that will allow both communities to get together, share experiences and build connections.

Mari Lewis has been appointed as the Coordinator for the Lampeter area, with Brigitta Deak being the acting Coordinator in Llanidloes. Research has been conducted in both areas to further our understanding of the demographics and communities of both towns; surveys were sent to representatives of community groups and hubs for both Lampeter and Llanidloes to see whether they thought the project would be beneficial to residents. The analysis of the survey responses allowed us to understand the communities’ current resources, whilst also gaining insight into the additional support needed for residents.

The social events have been taking place since May 2024, with weekly social mornings being held in Brondeifi in Lampeter, and the Rugby Clubhouse in Llanidloes, where a variety of residents have joined us for a drink, a chat and an opportunity to join in some fun activities. The feedback received thus far has been eye-opening, as we continue to learn about the communities’ needs and how the residents benefit from the opportunity to leave the house and socialise. Weekly activities and events will continue until November with the project’s next steps involving the distribution of a residents’ survey to collect more information on what individuals could benefit from, and identifying volunteers to provide one-to-one support to those who request it.

A Steering Group has been created for both locations and quarterly meetings will take place to allow a range of community representatives to share their input and guidance to ensure the project maximises benefits for the communities of Lampeter and Llanidloes.
Sustainable Communities is a Cynnal y Cardi (Ceredigion County Council) funded project. The grant received to fund the project stems from the Levelling Up Scheme, which is funded by the UK Government.